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using a jazz bass for punk rock
- Thread starter Mantis Tobaggan
- Start date
A Jazz is good for punk, because you can make it hum - that's the audio equivalent of a middle finger, especially if you let it hum loudly between songs - that's very punk. You might want to disconnect the ground wire from the bridge so it never really gets quiet.
Aside from that, the bass really isn't the point. It's the sticker(s) you put on it (or Sharpie, or blood, or....) that make the bass. And, of course, you need the right hair/lack of hair style for your sub genre, or you're a total poseur.
Aside from that, the bass really isn't the point. It's the sticker(s) you put on it (or Sharpie, or blood, or....) that make the bass. And, of course, you need the right hair/lack of hair style for your sub genre, or you're a total poseur.
Bryan Kienlen has played jazz basses since at least the 90's. Never seen him play anything else.
The guy from Leftover Crack plays a Dingwall Super Jazz. They opened for the Bouncing Souls and were AMAZING.
Karl Alvarez of the Descendents and All is one of the best out there, and he's used aStingray, P-Bass, even a G&L ASAT, a nice white jazz bass, and the last time I saw a video of their live performance i think he was playing a Reverend Mercali or Decision. No matter which one he uses he sounds great.
Also, Sandy Miranda of Fu**ed Up plays a Jazz Bass. Although they are not what I'd say are a typical punk band.
They are incredible BTW.
They are incredible BTW.
Seems to me, if you gotta care much about anything, no less your choice of instrument, it’s not much punk. That’s just my perspective. YMM-very much-V.
Totally aggree...esp live. A Highly underrated bass player.
Another one is John Maurer (former Social Distortion bassist) He always had his '69 Jazz bass.
I'm sure someone else has posted this guy- David Wm. Simms of The Jesus Lizard (certainly not punk, but not mainstream, that's for sure!).
While he plays a Memphis J-bass copy, it's about as close to a real J-bass as it gets without spending more than the $200 he spent!
While he plays a Memphis J-bass copy, it's about as close to a real J-bass as it gets without spending more than the $200 he spent!
We'll be playing our annual Christmas show with four other bands from the 80's all of these bands have amazing vintage guitars and amps,they cared then, they care now, we just have more money to spend in our 50's.
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Don't worry about it. Play what you like. 99% or more of your audience won't be able to tell the difference between a P, a J, a Rick, a Hofner, etc.
I like this thread, but I will say that we all know that "there are no rules in punk", smash the system, splash the cistern etc
along with "best bass for metal jokes", can we just assume that the poster is asking about the SOUND OF THE BASS, and probably whether it will work well in a lively band with distorted guitars and loud drumming – not a lecture on true punk ethics. (I happen to agree, but whatever)
oh and remember what Iggy Pop said:
I am asking about the sound and playability. Funny how people read into things...
Nothing more punk than playing the 'wrong' bass unapologetically!
Besides, Klaus Flouride played one too.
Bonus points for never cleaning the blood off the pick guard...
Besides, Klaus Flouride played one too.
Bonus points for never cleaning the blood off the pick guard...
A yellow/orange/green/whatever painted Jazz looks punky too.
I listened to a variety of their work. On the album Bad Brains from '82 I hear a Jazz Bass. On the album I Against I, I think I hear a different bass... maybe a P?
I listened to a variety of their work. On the album Bad Brains from '82 I hear a Jazz Bass. On the album I Against I, I think I hear a different bass... maybe a P?
I own a 75 Jazz and a 72 P. I also play in a hardcore band. I tried both of them many times at practice but the P always wins. Now if I didn't have a P would I go out and buy one for a punk band? No. The Jazz would work just fine.
Now if I had to use a Jazz I'd go get a Monoblock II or use one of my old Acoustic amps for that awesome Klaus tone!
Now if I had to use a Jazz I'd go get a Monoblock II or use one of my old Acoustic amps for that awesome Klaus tone!
